Spiced Cuban-Style Roast Pork with Mojo Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy roast pork marinated in a vibrant citrus and garlic mojo sauce, capturing the essence of Latin American flavors. This latin american-inspired pork ready in about 230 minutes blends pork shoulder, fresh orange juice, fresh lime juice into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 8, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 210 min Serves 8 Latin American cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together 1 cup fresh orange juice, 1/2 cup fresh lime juice, 8 minced garlic cloves, 2 tsp ground cumin, 2 tsp dried oregano, 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper to create the mojo marinade.
  2. Step 2: Place 4 lbs pork shoulder in a large resealable bag or container, pour the mojo marinade over it, and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight for maximum flavor.
  3. Step 3: Preheat oven to 325°F and place 1 large sliced yellow onion in the bottom of a roasting pan.
  4. Step 4: Remove pork from marinade, reserving the liquid. Place pork on top of onions and roast, uncovered, for 3 to 3.5 hours, basting occasionally with reserved marinade, until the internal temperature reaches 195°F and pork is tender enough to shred.
  5. Step 5: Let pork rest for 15 minutes before shredding with two forks; sprinkle with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro and serve with extra mojo sauce on the side.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spiced Cuban-Style Roast Pork with Mojo Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 230 minutes (20 min prep + 210 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Spiced Cuban-Style Roast Pork with Mojo Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced Cuban-Style Roast Pork with Mojo Sauce?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Spiced Cuban-Style Roast Pork with Mojo Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Spiced Cuban-Style Roast Pork with Mojo Sauce?

Latin American pork like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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